Letting out a chuckle, I say, “I love it. Not too sweet, and the perfect amount of creamy.”
Her smile widens with relief fluttering over her face. “Oh, good.”
Slowly, she starts to peel the paper from around her cupcake, and then she takes a small bite.
“I have a sweet tooth,” I mention. “So whenever you feel like baking, you know where to find me.”
Quinn looks happy as she replies, “Don’t complain if I fill your kitchen with cupcakes.”
“I’ll never complain.”
Our eyes lock, and the moment quickly loads with anticipation. I’ve been patient, letting Quinn get used to us being friends. Feeling like now’s the right time, I ask, “Want to stay for dinner tonight?”
Quinn’s breathing speeds up a little, then she nods. “I’d like that very much.”
With my eyes keeping hers captive, I murmur, “Not as friends, Quinn.”
A nervous expression tightens her features. “As what then?”
“Our first date.” I gesture between us. “I’d like to date you, Quinn.”
Emotions I can’t quite place flutter over her face, but there definitely seems to be some relief in the mix. Then the most beautiful fucking smile I’ve ever seen blossoms on her face, stealing my breath right from my lungs.
“Okay,” she whispers. She sets down the cupcake, then admits, “I’m too excited to eat now.”
I nod toward the doorway. “Let me just get cleaned up, then we’ll head out.”
Quinn nods, and when she moves to get up, I say, “Sit. Drink your coffee. I’ll only be ten minutes.”
I head upstairs and quickly jump in the shower. I rush through my routine, and when I’m dressed in clean jeans and a t-shirt, I pull on my boots, then head back down.
Quinn’s rinsing the plates and cups and the sight of her in my kitchen makes intense emotions surge through my heart. I lean against the doorjamb, enjoying the perfect view.
She turns around, patting her hands dry on the back of her shorts, drawing my eyes down to her ass before my gaze lowers to her sexy legs.
“Ready?” she asks, pulling my attention up to her face.
“Yeah.” I push away from the doorjamb, and we head out of the house. I lock behind us, and when we get to the truck, I open the passenger door for Quinn. She climbs into the cab, giving me a shy smile, and it only makes me fall harder for her.
There’s just something about Quinn’s quiet nature that I find both alluring and addictive. It also makes me protective as hell over her.
When I slide behind the steering wheel, I say, “Seat belt.”
“Right,” she murmurs, pulling the belt across her body and clipping it in.
I start the engine, and happy with how things are progressing between Quinn and me, I steer the truck onto the street.
Chapter 6
QUINN
I already pinched myself, but it still feels like a dream.
Never in a million years did I think today would turn out this way. One minute, I’m bringing Eli cupcakes, and the next… he’s asking me on a date.
Does that mean we’re a couple?
He did make it clear he wants to date me.
Don’t jump the gun, Quinn.
I glance at Eli, the man I’ve woven all my dreams around. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted, and now that I actually have a chance, it’s almost impossible to remain calm. I want to burst with excitement.
My heartbeat speeds up for what feels like the hundredth time today, and my teeth tug nervously at my bottom lip.
“It feels like you want to ask something,” Eli says, his eyes flicking to me before returning to the road.
I shake my head and swallow hard on the question.
Be brave, Quinn. Eli already took the first step. It’s not like you’ll embarrass yourself.
“Uhm…” My eyes dart back to him. “Does this mean we’re a couple?”
A wide smile spreads over his face, and he reaches for my hand, placing it on his thigh and covering it with his own. “Yes. But we’ll take things slow.”
It feels as if my heart leaps right out of the truck, running happy circles around us, and with a stupid grin on my face, I say, “Okay.”
Shooting me a glance, Eli asks, “It’s not too soon for you?”
I quickly shake my head. “No, it isn’t.”
Hell, I’ve loved him for a significant part of my life. It can never be too soon.
I’ve dated before, but it feels totally different when the man of your dreams is the person you’re dating. I feel light-headed from all the excitement and take a couple of deep breaths.
Holy crap.
I’m dating Eli Jackson.
The elated emotion hits so hard, my eyes mist up, and I have to focus hard to keep the happy tears from escaping.
Seven years of hoping, of dreaming, of praying.
I can’t believe it’s finally happening.
“You okay?” Eli asks, giving my hand a squeeze.
I nod quickly. “Yeah.”
My eyes lower to our hands, and seeing his strong fingers brushing against my skin, sends another wave of dizzying emotions rushing through me.